Spectral photometer analysis recorder



NOV. 26, 1968 J, VOGEL ET AL 3,413,652

SPECTRAL PHOTOMETER ANALYSIS RECORDER Fi1ed March 16, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTORS. JOSEF VOGEL, GUNTER ARNOLD, BERNHARD VINZELBEI-?G PETER FISCHER orro KOCH, HELMUT WALZ.

Nov. 26, 1968 J VOGEL ET AL SPECTRAL PHOTOMETER ANALYSIS RECORDER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 16, 1967 United States Patent "ice 3,413,652 SPECTRAL PHOTOMETER ANALYSIS RECORDER Josef Vogel, Gnter Arnold, and Bernhard Vinzelherg, Leverkusen, Peter Fischer, Odenthal uber Bergisch Gladbach, Otto Koch, Cologne-Stammheim, and Helmut Walz, Leverkusen, Germany, assignors to Farbenfabriken Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Leverkusen, Germany, a corporation of Germany Continuation-in-part of application Ser. N0. 395,864, Sept. 11, 1964. This application Mar. 16, 1967, Ser. N0. 623,713 Claims priority, application Germany, Sept. 13, 1963, F 40,749 10 Claims. (Cl. 34633) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A spectral photometer analysis apparatus capable of measuring and recording the absorbence of successive multi-component fluid samples and having a switching circuit means for automatically controlling the wave length scan of a spectrophotometer and the operation of a multichannel recorder to measure and record the absorbence value as a function of wave length for the individual components of each sample in a predetermined order correlated With the presentation of successive sa;mples to the spectrophotometer.

Cross-reference 10 related application This application is a continuation-in-part of our previous application Ser. N0. 395,864 filed Sept. 11, 1964, now abandoned.

Background 0 the inventz'on:

In the quantitative analysis of fluid mixtures, whether 1iquid or gaseous, the measurement of the absorbence and/ 01' transmittance characteristics of a fluid sample is frequently utilized to determine the quantitative proportions cf its components. Where these components have suitable absorption bands in the ultraviolet, visible or infra-red regions of the radiation spectrum, their quantitative determination can be carried out spectroscopically by the aid of a conventional spectrophotometer, such as type N0. 137 made by the Perkin-Elrner Corporation.

However, conventional spectrophotometers are essentially restricted in their use to the analysis of samples having constant component proportions during the measuring interval, and cannot be used for continuous analysis of a flowing sample wherein the component proportions are tirne variable within the measuring interval.

The typical spectrophotometer has a cell into which the sample to be analyzed is introduced and contained during the measurement interval. A beam of radiation is passed through the sample and is partly absorbed and the remainder transmitted thereby. Absorption occurs at various wave length bands located at spectral regions characteristic of each sample component, and for a given component, the degree of absorption at its characteristic wave length bands is dependent upon its concentration.

In the analysis of a sample containing two or more components, it is desirable to be able to measure and record the absorption characteristics associated With each component separately so that the absorption signature of each component can tue read from its own chart or recorder channel.

With a conventional spectrophotometer, the intensity of absorption is recorded as a function of wave length upon a drurn chart which is driven in accordance With the wave length scan to produce airecording which is continuous over the wave length scan range. Such a record- 3,413,652 Patented Nov. 26, 1968 ing provides n0 grouping of absorption data cor'nmon to each component, and requires the analyst to examine various separate wave length regions of the chart in order to determine the concentrations of the ditferent components.

The invention provides an apparatus whereby for each successive sample presented to the spectrophotometer, a wave length scan is performed and absorption -va1ues measured at wave lengths corresponding to separate components are recorded on individual recorder channels, one for each component. Thus, for a two components sample, all of the absorption data related to one component Will be recorded 0n a first channel, and all absorption data related to the other component Will be recorded 011 a second channel.

The apparatus of the invention is also adapted to analyze samples taken from diflferent sources, as for example from two separate gas mixture streams.

In such case, a sample taken from the first stream is presented to the spectrophotometer and analyzed thereby With the absorption data for each component being recorded separately by a first group of recorder channels, after which a sample taken from the second stream is presented to the spectrophotometer and analyzed in a like manner With the absorption data for each second stream component being recorded separately by a second group of recorder channels.

Although With certain prior art spectrophotometers, it is possible to repeatedly investigate a selectable absorption spectral region, by controlling the wave length scan motor for repeated scanning operation, there exists no previously known spectrophotometer apparatus which during the course of scanning an overall spectral range, is capable of diverting absorption data from one recorder channel to another in accordance With wavelength to separately record all data pertaining to each component.

Summary 0) the inventz'on The invention basically provides a spectrophotometer of the wavelength scanning type which measures the degree of radiation absorbance by a fluid sample at wavelengths within a predetermined overall wavelength scan range or spectrum. For each fluid sarnple presented, the spectrophotometer provides an output signal representing the degree of absorption and an output signal representing the wavelength at which such degree of absorption occurs. A switching circuit responsive to the wavelength signal controls the application of the absorption signal to the pen inputs of individual recorder channels, and also expediently controls the chart drive of each channel.

Assuming that the qualitative composition of the sample is already known, the wavelength spectral regions associated With each sample component are likewise known so that the overall scan range can 'be divided into spectral regions belonging to each component. Such component spectral region information is utilized in the invention to set the switching circuit to divert the absorption signal from one recorder channel to another so that during the wavelength scanning process, the absorption signal is applied to the recorder channel that corresponds to a preassigned sample component whenever the instantaneous scan wavelength lies within a spectral region belonging to that component, as determined from the wavelength signal.

T0 avoid waste of recorder chart space, a multichannel recorder having an independently operable chart drive for each channel is preferably used. The switching circuit is then arranged to control the chart drive of each channel so that only the particular channel to which the absorption signal is applied Will be running. A timer is provided to al1ow limited chart running between recordings 0f separate spectral region absorption data for each sample component, so that the successive spectral region record ings of each component will be spaced physically apart on the chart. The switching circuit also has a feed back input to the wavelength scan motor of the spectrophotometer to interrupt the wavelength scan during such intervals when the tirner allows free chart running. In this way, after one spectral region has been scanned, no absorption data from the next spectral region will be lost by reason of free chart running, as might occur if wavelength scanning were allowed to continue during such intervals.

T allow analysis of sarnples taken from dilferent sources and presented one at a time to the spectrophotometer, the invention provides a solenoid valve means operated by the switching circuit in accordance with the wavelength signal. When the wavelength spectrurn of interest for the first source sarnple has been scanned and the absorption data -for all of its cornponents are recorded on individual channels of a first recorder group, as indicated 'by a wavelength signal corresponding to either an upper 0r lower lirnit of such spectrum, the switching circuit operates the solenoid valve mcans t0 discharge the first sample from the spectrophotometer cell and introduce therein a new sample Laken from the second source. After the second sample is thus presented to the spectrophotorneter, its absorption analysis procceds in the samc manner as for the first sarnple, except that the recorder changeover wavelengths of the switching circuit are reset for the values corresponding to the cornponcnt spectral regions of the second sarnple.

Upon completion of the second sample analysis, again as determined from the wavelength signal, the switching circuit operates to discharge the second sample from the spectrophotometer cel1 and introduce a new sample taken either frorn a third source, or frorn the first source for analysis as before.

With appropriate programming of the switching circuit, the apparatus of the invention can bc used to perforrn a quasi-continuous absorption analysis of a flowing fluid stream or of a plurality of such streams simply by analyzing a scrics of individual samples taken in cyclical sequence. The dcgree to which such quasi-continuous analysis approaches a theoretical continuous analysis will of course depend upon the repetition frequency and the rate at which the sample compositions change.

The absorption data signal and the wavelength signal, both derived from the spectrophotorneter, can in general be in any physical forrn, such as electrical, mechanical, pressure, etc. with such conversion as appropriate to suit the needs of the switching circuit and recorder channels. However, thc wavelength signal is preferably derived from the spectrophotorneter in the form of an analog shaft rotation. Such preference is due to the fact that conventional spectrophotometers cornmonly are provided with a drum chart that rotates in accordance with the scan wavelength in a linear relation. With such a drum already available on the spectrophotometer, the sctting of the recordcr changeover wavelength points in the swtiching circuit is accomplished by means of cam rings mounted on or t0 the drum itself, and stationary microswitches positioned for actuation by the cam rings.

F01 each type of sample, a carn ring is provided with a switch actuating contour laid out in accordance with the angular positions of the drum that represent the changeover wavelengths of spcctral regions for the various components of that sarnple.

The absorption data signal can be expediently derived from the spectrophotometer in either electrical or mechanical form. Since most cornmercially available rec0rdcrs are built to take electrical pen inputs, the conversion of whatever absorption data signal is available from the spectrophotorneter into an appropriately scaled pen input signal voltage can be easily accornplished by well known engineering techniques.

For spectrophotometers having mechanically driven drum recording pcns, a otentiometer coupled for arm rotation in accordance with the pen motion is prefcrably employed since the potentiometer excitation voltage can be selected to give an arm voltage range acceptable to the individual component absorption data recorders used, which arm voltage then becornes the absorption data analog signal to the recorders.

Brief descriptz'on 0f the drmving The advantages and objects of the invention will become furthermore apparent from the -following detailcd description of the embodiment5 thereof and the drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a spcctral photometer analysis apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagrarn illustrating in detail the switching circuitry used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to control the application of the absorption data signal t0 the various recordcrs thcrein in accordancc with the wavelength scan of the spectrophotometer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagrarn illustrating the devcloped configuration of a typical cam ring used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to control the diversion of thc absorption data signal by the switching circuitry to the proper recording channel.

Descrz'plion o) the preferred embodiments A multi-cornponent fluid mixture, such as a gas mixture having two cornponents A and B, when analyzed by a spcctrophotometer Will in general exhibit a radiation absorbance, or transmittance, which varies With wavelength. Graph (A) of FIG. 3 shows thc absorption spectral -rcgions of a hypothetical mixture of components A and B over a wavelcngth spectral range lying between a lower wavelength lirnit and an upper wavelength limit 7\. Within this range exist wavelength spectral regiong or zones of interest wherein the degree of radiation absorbance can be identifiably associated with a distinct component A or B.

One such region, bounded by the wavelengths and is associated with cornponent A, and another region, bounded by the wavelengths and is associated with component B. The two wavelcngths regions bounded by 7\ and 7\ and 'by M and represcnt portions of the spectra of n0 interest for analysis purposes.

It should be noted that Graph (A) of FIG. 3 merely serves to identify the locations of the component A and B absorption response portions of the spectrum, and does not represent magnitudes of any particular absorbance values that are actually measurable within such spectral zones, and for such purpose a probability scale is chosen for the ordinate of Graph (A). In the direction of increasing wavelength, beginning at the probability of obtaining an absorbance response of interest is zero frorn up to and from to such probability is unity by hypothesis, sincc the and zone is one of intercst pertaining to component A. Similarly, fr0m to 7\ as well as frorn to 7\, there exists no absorption response zone of interest, but the intermediate zone from to is a zone of interest pertaining to component B.

For any specific component A or B, the wavelength limits of its characteristic absorption spectral zones are known, and the degree of absorbance rneasured will depend upon the concentration or quantitative proportion of that component in the mixture, a fact which enables the apparatus of the invention to -be used for determining the quantitative proportions of the mixture components A and B.

In recording the absorbance response values obtained by a spectrophotorneter which scans an overall spectral region frorn to 7\ and generates an analog signal output representing the instantaneous absorbance value of the mixture, it is dcsirable to record all absorbance values taken at wavelengths associated with each component 0n a separate recorder chart, so that all absorption data belonging to component A will be grouped together on one assigned chart, and all absorption data belonging t component B will likewise be grouped togethcr 0n another assigned chart, and so on, for mixtures having rn0re than two components.

The invention provides such a spectral photometer analysis apparatus P which as illustrated by FIG. 1 comprises esscntially a spectrophotorneter S, a multi-channel recorder rneans R, and a switching circuit means F.

The spectrophotometer S is a conventional spectrophotometer such as type N0. 137 manufactured by Perkin-Elrner, or any other type which has a cell 19 disposed to rcceive a multi-component fluid sarnple for analysis, such as a sa-mple taken from either of the two fluid sourccs I and II, and has radiation absorption measuring rneans for rneasuring the absorbance 0f the sample and gcne-rating an output Signal representing the value of said absorbance, and also has a wavelength scanning rneans to vary the instantaneous wavelength at which the absorbance is measurcd, which scanning means gcnerates an output signal representing instantaneous absorbance measurement wavelength.

The wavclength signal is utilized in the invention to control the recording of the absorbance Signal by recorder channels 11, 12, 13, 14 one at a tirne. For purposes of example, it has been assumed (hat both fluid sources I and II are mixtures of components A and B. Recorder channels 11 and 12 are assigned to record the absorption data for components A and B respectively for sarnplcs taken from source I, and recorder channels 13 and 14 are similarly assigned to record the absorption data for cornponcnts A and B respectively for samplcs taken from source II.

Switching circuit means F, which is subdivided into an instrument cont-rol circuitry portion 1 and a rneasuring bridge circuitry portion 10, controls the application of the absorbance signal to recorder channels 11, 12, 13, 14 in accordance with the wavelength Signal so that Whenever the wavelength being scanned by spectrophotometer S falls within the A component spectral region, the absorbance Signal is applied to recorder channel 11 where the sample under analysis is frorn source I, and to recorder channel 13 where the sarnple is from source II. For wavelength signals representing scan wavelength within the B component spectral region, the absorbancc Signal is applied to recorder channel 12 for source I sarnples, and alternatively to recorder channel 14 for source II samples.

With a typical commercially available spectrophotorneter S, having a recorder drum 6 rotatably driven in accordance with the instantaneous wavelength at which the absorbance measurernent is made, the wavelength signal can be expediently taken frorn the drum 6 rotation angle in the form of an analog shaft rotation 0. For example, where drum 6 is at a reference angular position 0 for a scan wavelength l\, and spcctrophotomcter S has an overall wavelength scanning range at least including the wavelength spectrum from to M, such that wavelengths Mand correspond respectively t0 drum 6 angular positions 0 0 0 0 and 0 as indicated by Graph (B) of FIG. 3 the A recorder 11 or 13 will be turned on for absorbance signal reco-rding at drum 6 angles betwcen 0 and 0 and the B recordcr 12 or 14 will be turned on for absorbance -signal recording at drum 6 angles between 0 and 0 It should be noted that since the wavelength spectrurn from to has been su=bdivided into absorbance response regions each associatcd with a Single component A or B, whenever an A recorder is on, the B recorder for the particular sample sourcc I or II, will be off, and vice versa.

The selection of the proper recorder channel 1114 as identified by wavelength is effected by means of microswitches 2 and 3 having operating rollers 2a, 3a respectively positioned for actuation by cam rings 4 and mounted to drum 6 for rotation thercwith. Microswitch 2,

its roller 2a, and cam ring 4 are provided for recorder channel switching With source I samples, and microswitch 3, roller 3a and cam ring 5 are providcd for recorder channel switching with source II samples.

A typical developed layout which can be used for profiling the cam rings 4 and 5 is shown by Graph (B) of FIG. 3. At angular positions 0 0 0 and 0 which represcnt the transition wavelength points between consecutive spectral zones, the cam rings 4 and 5 have projections 106a, 106b, 1060 and 106d respectively, each arranged for actuating a microswitch 2 in the case of cam ring 4, and for actuating a similar microswitch 3 in the case 0f cam ring 5. Where both sample sources I and II contain the Same components A and B, the arraugement of projections on cam rings 4 and 5 will be identical, but for different components such arrangement will be changed accordingly.

Themicroswitches 2 and 3, their rollers 2a, 3a, and corresponding cam rings 4 and 5 function similarly. For example, in the analysis of a sample frorn source I, at the start of wavelength scan, the index of drum 6 is positioned at 0 and rotates toward position 0 whereat the cam ring 4 projection 106a momentarily actuates microswitch 2 as its roller 2a is lifted by said projection 106a. This transient actuation of microswitch 2 is utilizcd to effect switching 0f the absorbance value Signal to recorder 11, since as drum 6 rotates between 0 and 0 the scan wavelength will be within the component A response zone. When drum 6 arrives at 0 microswitch 2 will again be momentarily actuated, but this time by projection 106b on the Same cam ring 4. This second actuation of microswitch 2 is used to remove the absorbance value Signal from recorder 11, because as drum 6 rotates from 6 to 0 the scan wavelength will be outside of the component A response zone, and in fact within a wavelength zone of no particular interest for recording purposes. Upon arrival of drum 6 at 0 a third momentary actuation of microswitch 2 Will occur by reason of projection 106c, this third actuation of microswitch 2 being used to effect switching 0f the absorbance value Signal t0 recorder 12, since 0 marks the beginning of the component B response zone which extends frorn 0 to 49 At 6 the end of the B response zone, projection 106d will cause a fourth actuation of microswitch 2, thereby efiecting the removal of the absorbance value Signal from recorder 12, since the drum rotation frorn 6 to 0 corresponds t0 scan wavelengths outside any zone of interest. At 6 a projection 106e is provided on the cam ring 4 for the purpose of causing a fifth actuation of microswitch 2 that is utilized for reversing the drum 6 rotation and returning the drum 6 to the starting position 0 for repetition of the analysis cycle using a new sample taken from source II.

The analysis of the source II sample proceeds in the sarnc manner as with the source I sample, except that the projections 106a-e on cam ring 5 through their actuation of microswitch 3 control the switching of the absorbance value Signal to recorders 13 and 14 which are respectively assigned for recording component A and component B absorption data from source II sarnples.

The projections 106a-e for the cam rings 4 and 5 can be expediently similar in height, but as can be appreciated by the artisan, their angular arrangernent shown herein is based Upon a hypothetical sample With assumed component absorption response characteristics, and therefore, for any actual sample mixture, the cam ring 4, 5 layout will have to be changed to match the absorption response pattern or signature of whatever components are involved.

The present invention afiords numerous advantages in a variety of different data recording applications, and is not in any way limitcd in its concept to use in a spectrophotorneter recording servomechanism system such as presented in the drawing and which Will be explained for illustrative purposes.

The spectrophotometer S shown in FIG. 1 is a spectrophotometer systern of the double bearn type which operates on the null principle, i.e. the systern is continuously maintained in a state of balance and the usable absorbance value output signal is derived from the instantaneous adjustment necessary to rnaintain the balanced condition. In the case of an infrared spectrophotorneter S, the measurernent value output signal can be indicative of the transrnittance or absorbance of a particular sample throughout a scanned wavelength spectrum, and hence a measure of the quantitative proportions of the various sarnple components In such a spectrophotometer S, a source of infrared radiation 101 is positioned With respect to suitable optical elements 102 to form two beams of radiation, a sample beam shown in outline and a reference beam shown in solid black. The sarnple to be analyzed is introduced into a cell 19 through which the sarnple beam is passed.

An optical attenuator 8 is adapted to be adjustably positioned in the reference bearn. In a typical spectrophotometer S, the sample absorbs some of the radiation in the sample beam and transmits the remainder, and the optical attenuator 8 is positioned in the reference beam to attenuate a like amount cf radiant energy so that the sample beam after passing through the sample in cell 19, and the reference beam alter passing through optical attenuator 8 are maintained in a state of balance as to energy level. Thus, the position of attenuator 8 is indicative of the transmittance or absorbance characteristics of whatever sample is present in cell 19.

Double beam spectrophotometer systerns are usually designed so that the beams are combined at a common point such as at an optical chopper 103. As is well kn'own in the art, the chopper 103 may expediently comprise a semicircular reflective disc which is rotated by a motor (not shown) to alternately pass equal interval portions of the sample beam and the reference bearn along a com mon path to the entrance slit of a monochromator 18. Within the monochromator 18, the entrant combined beams are scanned through a wavelength spectrum that cncornpasses the continuous wavelength range from to Wavelength scanning Within monochromator 18 is accomplished by a motor 17 which is coupled to drive a rotatable wavelength scan element (not shown) in said monochromator 18. Thus, the angular positionof the motor 17 shaft (indicated schematically by a dashed line) Will establish the wavelength bandwidth of the combined beams that emerge from monochromator 18 and fall upon the radiation-sensitive detector 104 which responds to the instantaneous intensity of the radiant energy impinging thereon, converting it into an electrical signal by means such as a thermocouple (not shown). The shaft of motor 17 is also coupled to drum 6 to rotate same in accordance with the scan wavelength, so that the angular osition of said drum 6 directly corresponds to the wavelength of radiation sensed by detector 104.

Detector 104, shown in block element form, includes an amplifier (not shown) which raises the absorbance value signal derived at W level frorn a transducer such as a therrnocouple (not shown) to a level sufiicient to operate a servomotor 105 which is coupled to attenuator 8 to adjust sarne for constant intensity of cornbined beams at detector 104. Thus, the displacernent of servomotor 105, which displacernent is expediently a rotary shaft displacement, required to effect such intensity balance of the combined beams, is actually an analog output signal representing the absorbance value of the sample in cell 19.

This absorbance value Signal is applied to a recording peu 7 which registers 011 a chart carried by drum 6, and is also applied to adjust the variable tap of a otentiometer 9. The position of such variable tap represents the absorbance value signal in the form of an analog shaft rotation, which for recording channels 1114 designed to accept only electrical signal inputs, requires a mechanical-toelectrical signal conversion. Such conversion can be simply accornplished by exciting potentiorneter 9 with an electric voltage source of a level compatible with the scaling requirernents of channels 1114. In FIG. 1, the electrical analog signal representing the absorbance value is designated by E and the wavelength value output signal is designated by the drum 6 rotation angle 0.

The switching circuit means F as illustrated in block element forrn by FIG. 1 has beten arbitrarily subdivided into the control instrument circuitry 1 and the rneasuring bridge circuitry 10, but as exemplified by FIG. 2, the switching circuit means F can be represented in an integrated form as a circuit means which receives the absorbance signal E and the wavelength Signal 0 after conversion into an equivalent switching state by the action of microswitches 2, 3 governed by the cam rings 4, 5, and on the basis of the information content of the wavelength signal 0, diverts the absorbance signal E, from the input of one recorder channel 11-14 to another.

In addition the switching circuit means F supplies a feedback signal to the motor 17 to regulate the wave length scanning operation so that during such times as the absorbance signal E, is being switched frorn one channel to another, wavelength scanning is interrupted. This advantageously avoids the possibility of missing any absorption data from those portions of the wavelength spactrum that would otherwise be scannecl during channel switching.

As exemplified by FIG. 2, the potentiometer 9 has its adjustable tap connected so that otentiometer 9 is a variable resistance in a Wheatstone resistance -bridge 201 excited by an electrical voltage source 200 connected thereto via lines 301. The absorbance signal E, that is actually applied to recorder channels 11-14 is derived from bridge 201 via lines 302. The inputs of recorder channels 11, 12, 13 and 14 are individually connectible to the E, signal distribution lines 302 by double-pole switching contacts of relays 202, 203, 204 and 205 respectively, these contacts being normally open.

A relay 214 having four single ole-double throw switching contacts 303, 304, 305 and 306 is provided to control the selection of either pair of recorder channels 11 and 12, or 13 and 14 in accordance with the source I or II from which thesample under analysis was taken. As can be noted from FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the selection of either sample source I or II is controlled by the Operation of solenoid valves 15 and 16. T0 introduce a sample from source I into cell 19, both solenoid valves 15 and 16 are placed in a de-energized state as indicated by the position of contact 306 in FIG. 2, and conversely to introduce a sample from source II into cell 19, said valves 15 and 16 are energized.

Electrical ower, preferably D.C., for operating the various relays in FIG. 2 is expediently taken frorn a D.C. ower supply 212, and solenoid valves 15 and 16 are for convenience of a type which is operable from the same supply 212.

Regardless of whether the sample is taken from source I or II, relay 206 operates whenever the active microswitch 2 or 3 responds to a component A zone on its associated cam ring 4, 5, and similarly, relay 208 operates whenever a component B zone 011 the cam ring 4, 5 is sensed.

As previously mentioned, when the drum 6 rotates from 0 to 0, the microswitch 2 or 3 corresponding to the sample source undergoes a series of momentary actuations as its roller 2a, 3a engages the cam ring 4, 5 projections 106a-e.

A stepping relay 211 performs several important logic switching functions in accordance with such microswitch 'actuation. Relay 211 is expediently a double coil stepping type having a holding coil L which is continuously energized (except during resetting) and an advancing coil L and a plurality of contacts a, b c, d, e, normally ope n. The advancing coil L is momentarily energized by the microswitch 2 or 3 selected -by switching contact set 305 each tirne said microswitch 2 or 3 is momentarily actuated. For the source I sample state shown in FIG. 2, as the microswitch 2 undergoes a series f actuations during the forward rotation 0f drum 6 from position 0 to 0, the contacts a, b, c, d, e Will close in sequence, beginning With contact a, and with each closure, the preceding closed contact will open.

Thus, all contacts a, b, c, a, e Will be initially open and rernain open until drum 6 arrives at 0 upon which event contact a Will close and operate relay 206, closing its three contact sets f, g and h. Contact h applies voltage through contact set 304 to energize relay 202 which then operates to turn on the chart drive of recorder 11 and connect the recorder 11 input t0 lines 302 Tor recording the absorption value Signal during wavelength scanning of the component A zone to Contact f applies voltage to line 401 which in turn energizes a time delay switch 402 to apply the voltage to wavelength scan drive motor 17 through contact set KR1 of relay KR to -drive said motor 17 in the forward direction (increasing wavelength) from 9 to 0 to scan the component A zone. The provision of the time delay switch 402 allows each recorder 11-14 to run free for a short time while wavelength scanning is intenrupted, so as to allow sufficient space on the recorder 11-14 charts to distinguish between successive absorption data runs.

A normally open switch So is provided for applying voltage to motor 17 for initial starting purposes when the drum 6 is at 0 Switch So is held closed until the drum 6 arrives at the first carn ring 4 projection 106a, i.e. 0 which can readily be detected by the illumination of an indicator lamp I energized by the closure of C011- tact g of relay 206, and upon which occurrence switch So is released to its normally open state.

Relay 206 Will rernain energized until the wavelength scanning of the component A zone is completed, upon which event, drum 6 will arrive at 0 and microswitch 2 will be again momentarily actuated by cam ring 4 projection 10611. This will cause relay 211 to open contact a and close contact b, thereby energizing relay 207 and deenergizing relay 206. With relay 206 de-energized, recorder 11 is turned off and the absorption Signal rernoved from its input. During the scanning of the to zone, as drum 6 rotates from 0 to 6 whatever ahsorption data Signal appears 0n lines 302 is simply not recorded because such particular zone is 0f no interest. Contact set i of relay 207 keeps the motor 17 driving drum 6 in the forwa:rd direction so as to traverse the t0 zone.

Upon arrival of drum 6 at 0 the beginning of the cornponent B zone, microswitch 2 will be momentarily actuated -by cam ring 4 projection 106a, thereby opening contact b and closing contact c 0f relay 211. This causes relay 207 to de-energize and relay 208 to be energized. De-energization 0f relay 207 will cause tin1e delay switch 402 to =reset and wavelength scan will be interrupted until the preset Chart spacing delay has expired after contact j 01: relay 208 closes to continue the driving of drum 6 from 9 to 0 During wavelength scanning of the component B zone, contact k of relay 208 is closed to apply voltage through contact Set 303 to relay 203 to energize same, thereby turning on recorder 12 and applying to the input thereof the absorp-- tion data signal. At the end of cornponent B zone scanning, drum 6 arrives at 0 cam ring 4 projection 106d momentarily actuates microswitch 2 thereby opening contact c and closing contact d of relay 211 to de-energize relay 208 and energize relay 209. Wit'h relay 208 deenergized, recorder 12 will be turned ofi, and the absorption data signal removed frorn its input.

Relay 209 functions by closure of its contact set e to continue the forward driving of drum 6 until it waches 0, the u-pper limit of its range, and during the driving of drum 6 from 0 to 9 corresponding to the noninterest wavelength zone to there is no absorption data signal recording 'by any of the recorders 1114.

Upon arrival of drum 6 at 6 cam ring 4 projection 106e momentarily actuates microswitch 2 thereby opening contact a and closing contact e of relay 211 to deenergize relay 209 and energize relay 210. De-energization of relay 209 restores the time delay switch 402 to a res6t condition.

Relay 210 operates t0 close its contact m and apply voltage to operate another time delay switch 403. Time delay switch 403 can be expediently a relay, as shown in FIG. 2, of the type which operates instantaneously upon application of operating voltage, but remains in a closed switch holding state for a predetermined dropout delay time after removal of operating voltage. This drop-out delay time of the time delay switch 403 is equal to the time required for motor 17 to drive drum 6 in the reverse direction from 0 to 0 Time delay switch 403, since its purpose is to :regulate the reverse driving time of motor 17 to that precisely needed to return drum 6 to its forward starting position 0 is a drop-out delay switching device, whereas time delay switch 402 is an operate delay switching device since its purpose is to delay forward driving of motor 17 long enough for recorder chart run spacing purposes. Accordingly, time delay switch 402 can be expediently a relay of the type which remains in an open switching state f0r a preset delay time after its operating voltage is applied, and then assumes a closed sw-itching state, but reverts imrnediatly to its normal open switching state upon removal of its operating voltage. Time delay relays which meet the requirernents of tirne delay switches 402 and 403 are readily obtainable commercial cornponents. As betwen the two time delay switches 402 and 403, the ti-rne delay switch 402 preferably has a much smaller tirne constant than time delay switch 403, since it can ordinarily be expected to take longer for drum 6 to return to its forward starting position than for the recorders 11-14 to run sufiicient chart space to distinguish between consecutive absorption data runs.

Upon closure of relay 210 contact m, time delay switch 403 will apply voltage to operate relays KR and KX. Relay KR has a pair of single-pole double throw comtact sets KR1 and KR2 which are normally in the position shown by FIG. 2 to allow proper polarization of motor 17, a D.C. motor, for forward drive operation.

When relay KR operates, its contacts KR1 and KR2 meverse the polarity of the voltage applied t0 the motor 17, thereby driving drum 6 in the reverse direction back to 0 Because of the choice of the time constant for time delay switch 403, relay KR automatically reverts to its de-energized state restoring contacts KR1 and KR2 f01' normal forward motor 17 driving, when drum 6 returns to 9 It should be noted that upon return of drum 6 to 0 forward driving 0f drum 6 does not occur until switch So is closed.

Relay KX serves t0 reset the stepping relay 211 during the reversing of drum 6, and accomplisheg such purpose by a normally closed contact Set KX1 which remains open until drum 6 returns t0 9 themby opening the ground return line 0f relay 211. With the ground line of relay 211 opened, the positive voltage pulses applied to its advance coil L by reason of microswitch 2 closing as its roller 2a i lifted by cam ring 4 projections 106a-e passing in reverse sequence, Will have no effect upon relay 211 comtacts a-e, which Will remain open until forward drum 6 motion recurs. This is advantageous because it prevents spurious operation of relays 206, 207, 208, 209 and 210, thereby precluding any operation of relays 202, 203, 204 and 205 which would cause unwanted recording operation during, drum 6 reversal.

When drum 6 is returned to 6, another analysis run can be performed, either upon the same source I sample, o1 upon a new sample taken from source II.

Introduction 0f a new sample taken from source II is accomplished by operating relay 214, which is a bistable, 01 flip-flop type relay. With relay 214 and its contactg 303, 304, 305 and 306 in the switching sta-tes shown by FIG. 2, for analysis of a source I sample, relay 214 can be opcrated t shift said contacts into their complementary switching states for analysis cf a source II sample, either manually by momentarily closing a switch S1, or automatically by means of a timer switch 213 that operates to apply voltage ulses to re1ay 214 in accordance with a predetermined program for selection of sarnples from sources I and II. For manual operation switch S2 is opened to eflect disconnection of timer switch 213.

Analysis of source II samples proceeds in the sarne manner as for source I samples, except that microswitch 3 is operated by cam ring 5, the solenoid valveg 15 and 16 are energized, the relay 214 contacts are in their complementary switching states so that relay 206 comtrols the operation of relay 204 to record the cornponent A absorption data on recorder 13 and relay 208 controls the operation of re1ay 205 to record the component B absorption data on recorder 14.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description of the invention, Ihe invention can be generalized as an analysis apparatus cornprising the combination of an instrument means, a multi-channel recorder means, and a switching circuit means, in which combination the instrument means senses the value of a first physical parameter depending upon a second physical parameter over -a plurality of bounded value ranges of the second arameter and gencrates output signals, one representing the value of each arameter, and Wherein the switching circuit means applies the first parameter signal to the recorder signal inputs, one at a tirne, in accordance with the value of the second arameter as represented by its signal. By assigning each recordcr channel to record the first parameter signal over a predetermined second arameter bounded value range, the second parameter signal is used t0 control the switching or diversion of the first arameter signal from one recorder channel another.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching circuit means includes switching 1ogic circuitry, composed principally by relays 202211, responsive 10 the actnation of the cam follower switch 2, 3 t0 dctermine from the number of actuations thereof, counted -during the progress of Wave- Iength scanning frorn one extreme limit wavelength When the instantaneous scan wavelength is within each component spectral region, and to apply the absorbance signal carried 011 1ine 302 to the corresponding recorder channel 11-14 as the scan wavelength passes through each spectral region.

This switching logic circuitry is also responsive to a predetermined follower switch actnation count established by the relay 210 connection to contact e or relay 211, and corresponding to the terminal wavelength limit to regulate the operation 0f the wavelength scanning means motor 17 to retnrn the wavelength to a predetermined starting wavelength upon attaining wavelength This capability serves to accommodate repeated wavelength scanning over the continuous spectral range extending frorn to T0 accommodate analysis of samples taken from different sour-ces, the basic cam and fo-llower switch arrangernent can be repcated with approximate selector switching circuitry provided, as for example contacts 303- 306 of relay 214, so as to enable the proper cam and follower switch combination to be selected for the particular sample source under analysis. In such case, the solenoid valve means 15 and 16 is operated by the selector relay 214 contact circuitry to introduce into the spectrophotometer 19 a sarnple taken frorn each fluid source I, II, one at a time, in a predetermined sequence upon each successive return of the scan wavelength to the starting wavelength and through the action of the timer switch 213. Selector relay 214 circuitry can be made responsive 10 the return of the scan Wavelength to starting Wavelength to connect to the switching logic circuitry the specific follower switch 2, 3 associated with the cam member 4, 5 representing the spectral region wavelength boundaries of the new sample introduced into the ce1l 19.

It should be noted that the specific connection of relay 211 contacts ae to operate the individual relays 206210 can be varied to suit the spectral region wavelength boundaries of the actual sample used, the specific arrangement shown in FIG. 2 merely being chosen to eifect recorder channel switching in accordance With the hypothetical spectral region wavelength boundaries shown in FIG. 3.

As can be appreciated by the artisan, other details and circuit arrangements which Will becorne obvious from the foregoing description can be substituted and added to suit the needs of a particular application. However, the invention is intended to be limited only by the following clairns in which we have endeavored to claim all inherent novelty.

What is claimed is:

1. A spectral photometer analysis apparatus which comprises a spectrophotometer means having a ce1l disposed t0 receive a multi-component fluid sample to be analyzed, radiation absorption measuring means for measuring the absonbance of said sample and generating an output signal representing the value of said absorbance, and wavelength scanning means for varying -within a wavelength bounded radiation spectrum the wave- 1ength at which such absorbancc is measured and generating an output signal representin said absorbance measurement wavelength, a multi-channel recorder means, and switching circuit means coupled to the individual channel inpnts of said multi-channel recorder means and to said spectrqphotometer for response to said wave- Iength and absorbance output signals thereof to apply said absorbance signal to a recorder channel assigned to a specific component of the sample for recording thereby whenever said wavelength signal corresp-onds 10 a scan wavelength within a spectral region associated with said component, whereby absorbance values measured for all spectral regions -associated with said cornponent and 1ying within the wavelength bounds of the radiation Spectrum scanned by said wavelength scanning means are recorded on a common recorder channel.

2. T he spectral -photometer analysis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said mu1tichannel recorder means has a number of recording channels equal to the number of sarnple components, each channel being assigned for recording the absorbance values measured in the spectral regions associated with a corresponding sample comqnonent, and said switching circuit means is responsive t0 said wavelength signal to apply said absorbance signal to the recording channel corresponding to such component as is identified by a wavelength signal representing an instantaneous scan wavelength within a spectra1 region associated with said component, as said wavelength scanning means varies the scan wavelength over a comtinuous spectral range encompassing spectral regions associated with each sample component.

3. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said spectrophotometer means includes a rotatable member driven in synchronisrn with said wavelength scanning means, the angular position of said rotatable member defining said absorbance measure ment wavelength output signal of the spectrophotometer means, and said switching circuit means includes a cam member connected to said rotatable member for rotation therewith, and a follower switch disposed for actuation by said cam member at angular positions of said rotatable unember corresponding to the wavelength boundaries of the spectral regions associated with each samp1e component to eficct switching of said absorbance signal to the recorder channels, one at a time assigned for recording absorbance values in said spectral regions.

4. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said spectrophotometer means includes a moveable member driven in accordance with the mcasurd absorbance value, and an electrically excited otentiometer connected to said mernber for moveunent therewith to generate an electrical analog signal representing the value of said -measured absorbance.

5. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to clairn 3 Wherein said switching circuit n1eans in cludes switching logic =circuitry responsve to the actuation of said follower switch to determine from the number of actuations thereof, counted dun'ng the progress f wavelength scanning from one extreme lirnit wavelength, when the instantaneous scan wavelength is within ea-ch of said spectral regions, and to apply said absorbance signal to the corresponding recorder as the scan wavelength asses through each spectral region.

6. The spactral photometer analysis apparatus acconding to claim 5 wherein said switching circuit means is connected to said wavelength scanning means to interrupt the wavelength scanning operation thereof for holdin the scan wavelength constant over a predetermined time delay interval upon entrance of the scan wavelength into each sample component spectral region to allow limited free -r-unning of the corresponding recorder channel at the beginning 0f the wavelength scan through each spectral region.

7. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to claim 5 including means for introducing into said spectrophotometer cell for analysis, a multi-cornponent fluid sample taken from any selected one of a plurality of fluid sources.

8. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to elaim 5 Wherein said switching logic circuitry is responsive to a predetermined follower switch actuation count corresponding to a terminal wavelength limit to regulate the Operation of said wavelength scanning means to return the scan wavelength t0 |a predetermined starting wavelength -upon attaining such terminal wavelength to accomrnodate repeated wavelength scanning over a continuous spectral range extending from said st-arting wavelength to said terminal wavelength.

9. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus acconding to c1aim 8 including a plurality of cam members counected to said rotatable member for rotation in unison therewith, and a plurality of follower switches each disposed for actuation by a corresponding cam member during the rotation thereof, each cam member being disposed to actuate its respective follower switch at rotata-ble member angular positions representing the wavelength beundaries of a set of spectral regions associated with the components of a sample charaoteristic of said cam member, and wherein said switching circuit means includes selector circuitry operable to connect said switching logic circuitry t0 a selected follower switch for response to the actuation thereof by -the corresponding cam member t0 accommodate spectral absorption analysis cf any one at a time cf a plurality of samples having component spectral regions represented by said cam members.

10. The spectral photometer analysis apparatus according to c1aim 9 including solenoid valve means operable by said selector circuitry to introduce into said spectrophotometer cell for analysis, a multi-component fluid sarnple taken from each of a plurality of fluid sources one at a time in a predeterrnined sequence upon each successive return of the scan wavelength to said starting wavelength, said selector circuitry being responsive to the return of the scan wavelength to said starting wavelength to connect to said switching logic circuitry the follower switch associated with a cam member representing the spectral region wavelength boundaries of the new sarnple introdnced into said cell.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2888623 5/1959 Atwood 8814X 3,196449 7/1965 Pelavin et a1. 34649X RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examz'ner.

JOSEPH W. HARTARY, Assistant Examiner. 

